Gastroenterologists and Infectious Disease Specialists

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Lucia
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Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:29 pm

Gastroenterologists and Infectious Disease Specialists

Postby Lucia » Thu Nov 15, 2012 10:00 pm

Any thoughts about the these specialties and when each one might be the most helpful? I notice that many of you have seen only one, or both.

My PCP referred me to an Infectious Disease specialist because he hasn't found a treatment that works yet. Have taken Flagyl (2), Vancomycin (1), and Dificid (1). Don't know about the ultimate success of Dificid yet. However, although the first instance of C. diff. started on 28 September, the ID specialists can't see me until 28 November. They're the only ones in town. Their nurse insisted that it made more sense to see a gastroenterologist first, but my PCP thinks that this stubborn case needs to be treated first.

I can see the need to eventually see a gastroenterologist in order to assess damage and treat consequences of C. diff., but it makes sense to me to get the C. diff. under control first. Have had 2 positive C. diff. tests in the past 6 weeks.

What have you all done vis-a-vis gastroenterologists and infectious disease specialists?

Thanks.

getwellsoon
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Joined: Mon Jul 18, 2011 8:33 am

Re: Gastroenterologists and Infectious Disease Specialists

Postby getwellsoon » Fri Nov 16, 2012 7:39 am

I have only seen a GI Dr. so can't comment on which one is better. I think either probably is as long as they are well versed in CDiff. My PCP treated me most of my CDiff journey because he was very well versed in CDiff treatment. He referred me to GI to have Colonoscopy and see what was causing B in stool. I like the PCP better, he has more time and listens better. I think maybe you could do some research and find either Dr. who is specializing in CDiff. Good luck and keep us posted. Carol
CAROL

Lucia
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Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:29 pm

Re: Gastroenterologists and Infectious Disease Specialists

Postby Lucia » Fri Nov 16, 2012 7:53 pm

Thanks, Roy.

Yes, I asked about this in another post: Relapse/Recurrence or Damage from C. Diff.? Each time that I have stopped antibiotics, I have had a recurrence of D. within a few days. My doctor is being careful, I think, because when I first got sick in September, after 2 days of D. at home, I was in the hospital with acute kidney failure due to dehydration. I was there for 5 days. So I would like to find out more about how to know when another antibiotic is necessary. I might not wait for 3 days, though, given past experience, and depending on the severity.

Another poster suggested that, unless I feel really sick otherwise, recurring D doesn't necessarily that the C. diff. is still active and in the infectious stage. This is one reason that I'd really like to see an infectious disease specialist, who might be able to clarify this for me!

At this point (last dose of Dificid today), I'm going to wait longer before starting it again, unless I reach the dehydration stage again.


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